Two new big-name stores, a new-look car-park, and now Borehamwood's Boulevard 25 retail park has a new name.

The park, situated between Shenley Road and Theobald Street, has officially changed its name to Borehamwood Shopping Park.

Bernard Davy, manager of the park, said that although road signs on the approaches to Borehamwood have been changed, both names would be in use during a transitional period.

Work on constructing a WHSmith store and a Marks and Spencer Simply Food outlet began seven weeks ago and both should be completed and open by the end of the year, by which time the park's new name will be fully publicised.

Mr Davy said: "We are talking about huge new stores not just high street shops. These stores will bring more jobs and people into the park. Our catchment area is expected to increase as we are going to have people coming here who usually go to London Colney, Barnet or Edgware to shop."

Rex Emery of Hertsmere Chamber of Trade welcomed news of the new stores saying: "Anything that is done to improve the retail park is wonderful. It can only improve the area.

"Shenley Road struggles all the time, without Boulevard 25 we would not have a Shenley Road," he said.

One shopper at the park was pleased that a Marks and Spencer food hall was on its way, saying: "The food is always good quality, it might provide a bit of competition for Tesco."

Mrs Wadsworth, a Borehamwood resident for 54 years, who travels to Watford for Marks and Spencer clothes, was disappointed that the store would only sell food: "It's good that they are opening up new shops, but we have enough food shops around here", she said.

Memet Urus, manager of nearby Borehamwood Bagel Bakery, is waiting to see what impact the new competition would have on business, but said the new stores would be good for Borehamwood as a whole.

"Everyone will lose some customers, that is for sure, it does not matter how popular you are", he said.

The park has been at the centre of refurbishment and expansion plans which include new car park and landscaping arrangements approved by Hertsmere Borough Council recently.

Also planning permission for a new medical centre at the park has been secured and the landlord Hercules Properties has agreed to keep the site that is currently Lidl's car-park vacant for a period of five years to accommodate it.

Plans to improve pedestrian access linking the park and Shenley Road are also in the pipeline so that the park opens out into the traditional high street shopping area.